Phillips Coaching is excited to announce the launch of its Masterclass Signature Series in April 2026, featuring Hawthorn Senior Coach Sam Mitchell as the official ambassador. Created for community clubs and grassroots coaches, this new content series brings elite-level insights directly to clubs, coordinators, local leaders and volunteers who are the strength behind community football every weekend.
Sam Mitchell took over as Senior Coach of the Hawthorn Football Club ahead of the 2022 season. After leading the Hawks to a standout 2024 finals campaign and reaching the preliminary final in 2025, Sam continues to build an exciting brand of football. A celebrated AFL figure, Mitchell played 307 games, won four premierships, claimed a Brownlow Medal, and finished his playing career with West Coast before transitioning into coaching.
MASTERCLASS SIGNATURE SERIES
The Masterclass Signature Series as presented by Phillips Coaching is built around practical, no-nonsense guidance for community coaches, including advice for simple ways to translate elite coaching methods into everyday community level training environments.
Sam Mitchell, along with other elite-level ambassadors will share their perspective on coaching motivations, defining a strong coaching philosophy, offer communication and connection advice, highlight the importance of building trust, structuring preseason programs, running inclusive training sessions, and applying on-field strategies via our “moving the magnets” segments with drills tailored for community level.
Mitchell states that “Community footy is the heartbeat of our game. The most important part of that is the volunteers, coaches, and parents who show up every week and create an environment where young footballers fall in love with our game”.
“The Masterclass Signature Series makes elite coaching simple and usable for every community coach and club. I am really excited to be part of it.” Mitchell continued.
Simon Lloyd, CEO, Phillips Coaching went on to say “We believe the future of football is shaped every week at local grounds by volunteers and community coaches. The Masterclass Signature Series is about respecting that role and giving those coaches genuine, elite-level support. Having Sam Mitchell lead this series allows us to translate elite thinking in the AFL into practical, everyday tools that community clubs can use.”
The Phillips Coaching Masterclass Signature Series is an invitation to community clubs, volunteer coaches, parents, and players wanting to learn from elite AFL coaches, AFL/AFLW players, and industry leaders. Introduction episodes will be available in March 2026 via our Phillips Coaching YouTube and Facebook channels, offering grassroots clubs a rare opportunity to access high-level coaching insight in an easy, accessible format.
Phillips Coaching also deliver tailored club development packages for community clubs, designed to support both new and experienced coaches in building confidence and establishing strong training and match-day habits from the outset. Grounded in Phillips Coaching’s “Great Athletes, Better People” philosophy, the program aligns seamlessly with the PC Masterclass Signature Series, reinforcing strong fundamentals and consistent coaching standards across all levels. For more information, visit phillipscoaching.com.au.